About
Acanthus mollis 'Niger' is a robust perennial that can reach heights of up to 1.5 meters when in bloom. It features elongated, deeply lobed basal leaves that are glossy and a rich, dark green. In late summer, this plant produces tall, spiny flower spikes adorned with white blossoms topped by purplish hoods.
About the genus
Acanthus consists of sturdy herbaceous perennials characterized by their lobed leaves and upright flower spikes featuring two-lipped blooms accompanied by vibrant bracts.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in sun or part shade, will tolerate most soils but thrives in deep loam. Acanthus need careful positioning as they can be difficult to remove once established. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
- Pruning
- Cut spent stems down to the base after flowering. Cut back old foliage in spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in spring, by division in spring or autumn, or by root cuttings in winter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to Powdery mildews